2021 World Press Freedom Index

'This year’s Index, which evaluates the press freedom situation in 180 countries and territories annually, shows that journalism, journalism, which is arguably the best vaccine against the virus of disinformation, is totally blocked or seriously impeded in 73 countries and constrained in 59 others, which together represent 73% of the countries evaluated. These countries are classified as having “very bad,” “bad” or “problematic” environments for press freedom, and are identified accordingly in black, red or orange on the World Press Freedom map.

The Index data reflect a dramatic deterioration in people's access to information and an increase in obstacles to news coverage. The coronavirus pandemic has been used as grounds to block journalists’ access to information sources and reporting in the field. Will this access be restored when the pandemic is over? The data shows that journalists are finding it increasingly hard to investigate and report sensitive stories, especially in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

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Norway is ranked first in the Index for the fifth year running even though its media have complained of a lack of access to state-held information about the pandemic. Finland maintained its position in second place while Sweden (up 1 at 3rd) recovered its third place ranking, which it had yielded to Denmark (down 1 at 4th) last year. The 2021 Index demonstrates the success of these Nordic nations’ approach towards upholding press freedom.

The World Press Freedom map has not had so few countries coloured white – indicating a country situation that is at least good if not optimal – since 2013, when the current evaluation method was adopted. This year, only 12 of the Index’s 180 countries (7%) can claim to offer a favourable environment for journalism, as opposed to 13 countries (8%) last year. The country to have been stripped of its “good” classification is Germany (down 2 at 13th). Dozens of its journalists were attacked by supporters of extremist and conspiracy theory believers during protests against pandemic restrictions.'

- 2021 World Press Freedom Index: Journalism, the vaccine against disinformation, blocked in more than 130 countries



Context

'European leaders have a responsibility to defend journalism and not to weaken it.'

'The EU Commission has so far not been serious about protecting the rule of law in Europe.' - German Green MEP Daniel Freund.

(Europe) - '..while the parliament has a good track record on human rights .. the commission falls short in comparison.'


'..in Poland .. a simultaneous attack on the judiciary and the independent media..'

(Ukraine) - 'Priority should be in judicial reform and refraining from attacks on anti-corruption institutions'

(Hungary must leave the EU) - No place in EU for Hungary


Could the West have saved Russia from itself? No.